When the weather cools down, your secret weapon for staying healthy and energized is right in your kitchen. A zesty, uplifting vinegar tonic, the Fire Cider Tonic is a practical recipe made with everyday ingredients that will keep you and your family feeling your best all season long.
This potent infusion comes from a traditional herbal remedy designed to help ward off colds, flus, and allergies, as well as boost circulation, speed up metabolism, and support gut balance. It’s invigorating. It’s bright, and it delivers a daily dose of natural antibacterial and antiviral compounds.
How to Drink It
One of the most popular ways to take it is as a morning shot—about half an ounce or 1 tablespoon. For a stronger dose, double it up. It’s potent and intense. So a little goes a long way. Want it a little less strong? Mix it into half a cup of warm water, or try pineapple juice, coconut water, carrot juice, or an adrenal cocktail to boost its immune benefits even more.
Don’t stop at shots. Get creative! Add seltzer and aromatic bitters for a refreshing mocktail, drizzle it over roasted veggies, or whisk it into a delicious salad dressing. This is one tonic that’s as versatile as it is powerful—flavorful, aromatic, and ready to keep you thriving all winter long.
Makes: ~2 cups (450 ml)
Prep: 10 minutes
Steep: 2–3 weeks
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar (6% acidity)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 3–4 drops oregano oil
- Dried oregano: Affordable and infuses flavor gradually during steeping.
- Oregano oil: Highly concentrated; add after straining to preserve potency and flavor.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 10 whole peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated turmeric or 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
- 1 onion
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Honey, to taste (optional, added after steeping)
- Lemon juice, to taste (optional, added before serving or in a dressing)
Tip: To make a larger batch that lasts more than a month at 1 tablespoon per day, simply double all ingredients to yield ~4 cups.
Instructions
1. Combine vinegar, cayenne, lemon zest, dried oregano, rosemary, peppercorns, turmeric, and salt in a clean glass jar. Stir or shake to mix evenly.
2. Place parchment paper under the lid and seal the jar to prevent corrosion.
3. Store in a cool, dark place for 2–3 weeks, shaking daily to distribute flavors.
4. After steeping, strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Discard solids.
5. If using oregano oil, add 3–4 drops now along with honey, if desired.
6. Add lemon juice before serving or when used as a dressing.
